740.00119 Control (Germany)/2–949: Telegram

The Acting United States Political Adviser for Germany (Riddleberger) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent

213. We are seriously disturbed by indications in Paris’ telegram 497, February 6, repeated London 981 and London’s 488, February 8, repeated Paris 87,2 that French will insist upon unanimous agreement by military governors or governments on fundamental matters within the reserved fields. Our long and bitter experience with Soviet obstructionism in ACC has demonstrated only too clearly how unanimity rule can reduce effectiveness Allied control to nought. We do not question Schuman’s sincerity in stating that he can reverse Koenig whenever required but we must consider possibility that we shall not be dealing with Schuman at some future time. In hands De Gaullist French Government, for example, unanimity rule could hamstring action on many major issues. For foregoing reasons we strongly recommend that US delegate be instructed to maintain US position requiring majority vote in such instances on all levels of Tripartite Allied Control.

Sent Department as 213, repeated Paris 77, London 95.

Riddleberger
  1. Ante, p. 28.
  2. Not printed.